I Was Still Away Recovering When My Children Talked About Their “Early Plans” And Selling Everything From The TV To The Beach House. But The Shock Came When The Notary’s Office Called To Inform Them: “The Property Has An Owner – And It’s Not ANYONE IN THE FAMILY.”

“Beach house,” I whispered, each word an effort. “My children selling it.”

“The Malibu property.”

Harold sounded concerned. “I see.

This is serious.”

“They don’t know,” I continued, pausing between words to gather strength. “Need stop them. Important.

Call this number.”

I slowly recited a phone number Harold would find nowhere in my official records. “I’ll handle it immediately,” Harold assured me. “And Victoria—do you want me to inform your children of your improvement?”

I considered this carefully.

If they knew I was regaining speech and mobility, they might accelerate their plans. “No. Let me surprise them.”

I could almost hear Harold’s smile through the phone.

“Understood. I’ll visit tomorrow with some papers for you. Rest now.”

After Jenny took the phone away, I closed my eyes, exhaustion washing over me.

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